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    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 250, 250 KRT Edition Unveiled In Japan

    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 250 KRT
    Ninja 250 is essentially unchanged except the addition of a new KRT Edition with a new paint scheme and livery

    Kawasaki continues to dominate World Superbike series as usual. Now, Team Green has introduced the latest iteration of the most affordable Ninja in its home market. Yes, Kawasaki has officially unveiled its entry-level Ninja 250 for the year 2021. Along with the standard variant, the Japanese bikemaker has also added a special KRT edition to the lineup.
    The standard variant comes in Metallic Carbon Gray colour scheme which features a white and grey paint along with red accents on the sides. The KRT edition is sportier of the two with black, red and white accents sprayed all around its bodywork.
    The new livery will instantly remind motorsport fans of Team Green’s WSBK championship bike. This derivative is similar to the one found in Ninja 400 KRT Edition. Mechanically it is the same as the standard Ninja 300 and its outgoing model. The changes in MY-2021 model is limited to the addition of the new colour and graphics.
    Design & Features
    Design-wise, the new Ninja 400 is identical to its predecessor which gets a muscular faired design with a sloping fuel tank and an upswept exhaust. It receives the signature Kawasaki twin-pod LED headlight and taillights and fairing integrated front blinkers.
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 250 KRT
    Other notable highlights include a semi-digital instrument cluster, blacked-out alloy wheels and a split-style saddle. The company is also offering an optional accessories kit which includes a DC power socket, a radiator screen, a rear seat cowl and a large windscreen.
    Hardware
    Hardware too is identical to the outgoing model. Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm standard telescopic fork at front and a bottom link mono-shock at rear. Anchoring setup includes 310mm front and 220mm rear petal-type discs assisted by a dual-channel ABS. Ground clearance and saddle height are pegged at 145 mm and 795 mm respectively.
    Powertrain & Price
    Ninja 250 continues to draw its power from a 248 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine which kicks out 36.2 bhp at 12,500rpm and 23 Nm of peak torque at 10,000rpm. This unit is paired to a six-speed gearbox along with an assist and slipper clutch. It goes on sale in Japan in the coming few days and will be offered at a price of ¥6,43,500 (approximately Rs. 4.57 lakh) for the standard variant while the KRT edition is priced at ¥6,54,500 (roughly Rs. 4.62 lakh).
    Ninja 250 is one of the few faired motorcycles left in the quarter-litre segment and still continues to pull large consumers in selected few markets. In India, Ninja 250 was replaced by Ninja 300 and is offered at a price of Rs 3.16 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The quarter-litre motorcycle is not likely to make a comeback in India anytime soon, however, Kawasaki would surely earn praises if it introduces a KRT edition to Ninja 300. More

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    2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R, ZX10RR Launched – To Arrive In India Soon

    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R
    The new 2021 Ninja ZX10R is the flagship offering from Kawasaki which comes with a host of updates

    Needless to say but Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R is one of the most popular litre-class sports bikes around the world. Now, the Japanese superbike manufacturer has launched the latest iteration of ZX10R and its race-focussed sibling ZX10RR globally. The faired motorcycle was spotted testing on a couple of occasions prior to this.
    The new ZX10R gets a fair share of updates both in terms of mechanical and electronics as well as aesthetics. Images of the updated ZX10R were revealed at the WorldSBK Winter Test in Jerez last week. The latest avatar of the faired sports bike from Team Green also complies with the stringent Euro-5 emission norms.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R
    Updated Powertrain
    Getting started with the most crucial aspect- its performance, it still draws its power from a 998cc liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder DOHC motor and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Output figures haven’t been officially revealed but are expected to remain around the same mark like its predecessor.
    For reference, the outgoing received output of 203 PS of power and 115 Nm of peak torque. Other than the upgraded emission standards the engine gets a plethora of alterations such as redesigned intake ports and valve train, titanium intake and exhaust valves, Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on finger-followers and much more.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R
    Design & Features
    Coming to its design, Kawasaki says that the new ZX10R features a more aerodynamic design which reduces drag resistance and increases downforce. This is thanks to the revised bodywork and taller windscreen. It features a new set of LED dual headlights and taillight units which are sleeker.
    It also flaunts a new pair of Cowling-mounted mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. The aerodynamic design is further strengthened by slots in the new tail cowl design.

    The chassis of the new ZX10R receives some crucial updates to its geometry by shifting its balance forward. This has led to improved cornering performance and lighter handling. The swingarm pivot has been lowered by 1mm and the swingarm has been made 8mm longer. Suspension duties are handled by Showa Balance Free Fork at front and a gas-charged shock absorber at rear which are also slightly altered for a spirited ride.
    The electronics package on the new ZX10R is an exhaustive list some of which include rider aid suite managed by a Bosch six-axis IMU, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), and much more. It gets a new multifunctional 4.3-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth and Rideology App.

    Other inclusion of the electronic equipment comprises a five traction control modes, cornering ABS, launch control, three power modes and engine-braking control. It also receives an electronic Öhlins steering damper and a quick-shifter as standard.
    Variants & Price
    The 2021 Kawasaki ZX10R will be offered in two variants- ABS and non-ABS. It comes in two colour options- Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and the KRT Edition in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White. The ZX10RR, however, is only offered in Lime Green.
    In the USA, the bike will be offered at a price of USD 16,999 which translates to INR 12.17 lakh. If and when it comes to India it will be a lot higher than this. For reference, the outgoing Ninja ZX 10R is currently priced at INR 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    Kawasaki W175 Sub 200cc Motorcycle Spied In India For First Time

    Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
    The Kawasaki W175 is likely to adopt an electronic fuel injection system to comply with BS6 emission standards

    It seems the Japanese brands are suddenly interested in the Indian retro-classic roadster segment where homegrown Royal Enfield has a near-monopoly. Honda just introduced the H’ness CB350 which was specifically developed for India. Now, Kawasaki is gearing up to introduce its W175 compact displacement roadster in the country.
    Kawasaki W175
    A test mule of the Kawasaki W175 has been spotted for the first time in India, bolstering the previous reports that the company is considering it for our market. When launched, the W175 will be the most affordable model in the brand’s Indian lineup.
    With its utterly simply design characterized by a circular headlamp, slender fuel tank and a long saddle, the Kawasaki W175 oozes classic appeal. Interestingly, there is not a lot of chrome, and that is a good thing. A simple mud-guard mounted taillight, spoke wheels, fork gaiters and single-pod instrument cluster further add to the motorcycle’s old-school appeal.
    Specifications
    Just like its modest design, there is nothing particularly special about the Kawasaki W175’s technical specifications. Power comes from a single-cylinder, air-cooled 177 cc engine which breathes via a carburetor in markets like Indonesia and Philippines. However, the BS6 emission norms in India is likely force the motorcycle to adopt electronic fuel injection.
    Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
    In its carebureted avatar, the motor produces a sedate 13.05 hp and 13.2 Nm of torque. The motorcycle employs a 5-speed gearbox. With a kerb weight of 126 kg, the Kawasaki W175 is a light roadster which targets people who prefer a relaxed and unhurried riding style.
    The motorcycle is equipped with telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, a single front disc and rear drum brake. The India-spec version will be equipped with a single-channel ABS.
    India launch
    The Kawasaki W175 is most likely to be assembled locally but we doubt if the company can match the localization levels of its intended rivals. With an estimated price tag of around INR 1.40 lakhs (ex-showroom), the classic Kawasaki will have a lot of modern, better equipped and more powerful rivals to fend off.
    It will lock horns with the likes of Honda Hornet 2.0, TVS Apache RTR 200, Hero Xtreme 160R, and so on. The motorcycle would be hoping to take advantage of the residual brand recall Kawasaki has in the Indian small displacement market. It would be a positioned as a brand shaper rather than a full fledged volume generator. Kawasaki’s relatively limited dealership network would also make it challenging to realize the W175’s full potential.
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    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R, ZX10RR Spied Undisguised Ahead Of Global Debut

    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R
    The motorcycles appear to be equipped with a new TFT color instrument panel

    The 2021 Kawasaki ZX10R and ZX10RR liter-class supersbikes have been leaked through vehicle certification data that was submitted by the manufacturer to the Australian government’s department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development. A set of low-resolution images give us an idea about the updates for the new model year.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R and ZX-10RR
    Kawasaki reportedly filed the vehicle certification data with the Australian government in August 2020 with a request to keep the information under embargo till November 1. It appears that the Japanese sportsbike brand planned to unveil the facelifted twins before this date but the COVID related issues pushed the world premiere to November 23. The images which are now available in the public domain highlights the visual changes clearly.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX10RR
    The new ZX-10R and its sibling adopt a comprehensively redesigned fairing with H2-style front fascia. The sleeker two-part headlamp unit (likely to be LEDs) is set deep into an edgy front fascia. The side panels of the fairing have also been revised for a more streamlined look. The fuel tank and tailpiece have been carried forward without any noticeable changes but the liter-class twins appear to be adopting a new color TFT instrument console.
    The front turn indicators continue to be integrated into the rear view mirror housings. For the new model year, both ZX-10R (black) and ZX-10RR (green) sport matte finish.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX10R
    Specifications
    The duo continue to be powered by the familiar 998 cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The power outputs are identical to the outgoing models but they are generated at different engine speeds, suggesting that Kawasaki has introduced some tweaks. The changes are likely aimed at meeting the Euro 5 emission standards.
    The 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R produces 200 hp at 13,300 rpm (300 rpm earlier than before) while the 2021 ZX-10RR produces 201 hp at 14,000 rpm (500 rpm later than before). The US-spec models will be available in a lower-spec 186 hp version.
    2021 Kawasaki ZX10RR
    As far as other hardware elements are concerned, the updated motorcycles seem to have soldiered on without any significant changes but we will have to wait for the world premiere to be sure. The Showa Balance Free Front forks and Brembo twin-disc brake system are visible on the images are are retained unchanged.
    Launch
    The 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R and ZX-10RR are expected to reach international markets in early next year with a marginal hike in price. We expect the superbike to make its Indian debut a few months later. It will continue to rival the likes of Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and so on. More

  • 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S Debuts – India Launch Next Year

    2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S sits in between the Versys 1000 standard and Versys 1000 SE
    2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

    As we already know, Kawasaki is all set to launch six new models on November 23 this year and we barely can hold our calm. But before the launch event takes place, the Japanese manufacturer has officially revealed a new derivative of its premium adventure tourer.
    Kawasaki has announced the launch of the Versys 1000 S a couple of weeks later its higher-spec substitute- Versys 1000 SE got launched. In terms of design the entire Versys 1000 range- standard, S and SE was given a complete overhaul in 2019 which has been more or less carried forward in the 2021 version.
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    Features on offer
    The standard Versys 1000 is now replaced by the much higher-specced S trim. Although the S trim sits below the SE variant, it gains many of its premium features such as cornering auxiliary lights, heated grips, smartphone connectivity, three riding modes, cruise control, Kawasaki Traction Control and Kawasaki Quickshifter. It even gets the Japanese brand’s self-healing paint.
    At the centre of all electronic aids lies an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This includes the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) which regulates engine power and brake force to smoothen the transition from acceleration to braking thus helping the rider trace his/her arc through a corner.

    Up-front it gets a large adjustable windscreen that offers protection from gusting winds and other unwanted elements. It offers a comfortable upright seating layout for the rider and pillion alike.
    Additionally, it can also be fitted with a Low Seat from the accessory kit which reduces the saddle height by 20mm and facilitates convenient access to the ground. Other notable highlights are an all-LED lighting setup, handguards, a dash-mounted 12V power source and a TFT gauge display.
    Difference between Versys 1000 S and Versys 1000 SE
    The major difference between Versys 1000 S and Versys 1000 SE is the absence of the electronically controlled suspension units from Showa in the former. Instead, it gets a manual suspension adjustment system from Showa. This has been done to keep the cost in check.

    The Versys 1000 Se is further enhanced by the semi-active suspension unit from Showa- Skyhook which offers better comfort and riding dynamics. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 120/70 and 180/55 section of tyres at front and rear. Anchoring duties rest on dual petal discs on front and a single disc at rear of 310mm and 250 mm dia respectively.
    Powertrain
    In terms of powertrain, it is powered by the same 1,043cc inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which cranks out 120 PS of power at 9000 rpm and 102 Nm of peak torque at 7500. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Like its higher-spec sibling, the Versys 1000 S is offered in four trim level- Standard, Tourer, Tourer Plus and Grand Tourer. In each trim, the number of pannier boxers offered goes on gradually increasing.
    Price
    In India, only the standard Kawasaki Versys 1000 is offered and the Versys 1000 SE is not likely to come to our markets anytime soon. It has been priced at €14,227 (approx Rs 12.3 lakhs), about €1,900 less than SE. Expect India launch of this new model next year. More

  • Kawasaki 175cc Motorcycle India Launch In 2021 – Price Rs 1.25 L Expected

    Kawasaki W175 is already on sale in other Asian markets and will serve as the most affordable retro-style classic motorcycle in India

    Retro-style classic motorcycles have always been liked by a certain section of the biking community. In recent times, these bikes have been in demand for the masses as well. With Royal Enfield, Jawa, Benelli and now Honda, in the market with their respective motorcycles, any new entrant will find it difficult to make a place for itself in this segment.
    However, as per latest reports, Kawasaki is expected to enter this space with its entry-level W175 next year. W175 is set to be launched in India in the first quarter of 2021 (Jan to Apr 2021 period). It is already on sale in other Asian markets such as Thailand and Indonesia.
    Design
    As seen from the images, Kawasaki 175cc Motorcycle is a retro-styled bike with a simplistic design approach. It gets pure classic styling with round headlamp, spoked wheels which are wrapped around by tube tyres and a peashooter muffler. It is offered with a conventional round analogue instrument cluster which reads out information from the tripmeter, speedometer and odometer.
    At the rear it gets similar turn indicators with squared off tail light. Overall, the layout seems quite basic yet very neat and simple thanks to the blacked out components such as the engine, tail pipe and suspension springs. It gets a single-piece seat with easy contours and good cushioning. Its international spec model weighs just 126 kg, however, this figure is set to increase when it has to meet all the mandatory safety and emission requirements in our country.

    Powertrain
    Coming to its powertrain, the W175 draws its power from a 177cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC motor which produces a modest output of 13bhp and 13.2Nm of peak torque. However, this unit in its international spec is in carburetted form. Therefore, output figures might slightly alter if it comes to India where BS6 emission norms and fuel injection are a certainty. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and also gets a balancer shaft to help reduce vibrations.
    Dynamics
    The bike is built on a semi-double-cradle frame with a simple box-section swingarm. Suspension duties are carried out by conventional telescopic forks at front with normal rubber stockings and a twin shock setup at rear. Anchoring duties depend on 220mm disc at front and 110mm drum at rear. India-spec model will also be equipped with ABS although only single-channel ABS is expected to be on offer.
    Estimated Price
    Kawasaki W175 is said to be more than 90 percent localised if and when it comes to India. This will make W175 the second bike in the Japanese manufacturer’s portfolio to be engineered within the company’s R&D setup in India. The first localised bike being Ninja 300 which was launched in 2018.
    Upon its launch, it will be deemed as a more affordable motorcycle in comparison to Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Honda H’Ness CB350. It is expected to be offered at a price of Rs 1.20-1.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will not only be the smallest engine powered Kawasaki road bike to co on sale in India, but will also be the cheapest and most localized.
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  • 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Officially Unveiled – Gets New Colours

    Kawasaki Ninja has now received its Euro-5 emission compliance, means it is likely to achieve BS6 norms as well and arrive in India
    Kawasaki has officially revealed the upcoming 2021 Ninja 400. This middle-weight faired monster has been absent from the Japanese bike maker’s India portfolio ever since our automotive industry made the transition to BS6 emission norms.

    While Ninja 400 has not been very popular on our shores, it has been a very popular motorcycle in certain overseas markets. Most importantly, it now gets a Euro5 compliant engine which is equivalent to BS6 compliance in India. Hence, it is expected that the bike might hit showrooms in India soon.
    New Paint Schemes
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 gets minor cosmetic upgrades with three brand new shades. First option is pearl nightshade teal in a combination of metallic spark black with white body graphics. Second option is Passion Red which also gets subtle white graphics. The final option is a combo of metallic graphite grey and black with body graphics and stripes in lime green.

    Interestingly, makers have ditched the signature Kawasaki lime green colour with their trademark shade making appearance on graphite grey/black combo only. Apart from these, there are no other changes to 2021 Ninja 400.
    Design
    In terms of design, it takes inspiration from its elder siblings, especially Ninja 650. At front, it gets a traditional Kawasaki split headlamp cluster with dual LED headlights. At the rear, it gets a ZX-10R inspired LED tail light. In comparison to Ninja 300, the updated Ninja 400 gets a sharper design along the fairing, fuel tank and body panels. The LED turn indicators at rear remain mounted on the fender. Other notable highlights are a stepped-up seat, a raised windscreen and a sloping fuel tank.
    Hardware & Features
    It is still based on a trellis frame structure, however, it is lighter than its predecessor by 6 kg. 2021 N400 weighs 168 kg. As opposed to a 17-litre fuel tank on the current model, the new model can golf only 14 litres of fuel. Suspension duties are carried out by 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork sourced from Kayaba at front and preload adjustable mono-shock at rear.

    Anchoring duties on the bike are done by 310mm and 220mm petal discs at front and rear respectively. It is equipped with a dual-channel ABS sourced from Nissan. It stands on 17-inch spoke alloys which are wrapped around by 110/70 section and 150/70 section of tyres at front and rear respectively. It also gets the usual LCD panel as its instrument cluster.
    Powertrain and Price
    New Ninja 400 draws its power from an updated 399cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor. This engine cranks out 49 PS of maximum power at 10,000rpm while peak torque of 39 Nm comes at 8000rpm. This unit is linked to a six-speed gearbox.
    The updated Ninja 400 is expected to come to India soon, however, there has been no official word from Kawasaki yet. It is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom) mark in India. More

  • 2021 Kawasaki Z125 Pro Gets A Facelift With Added Colour Schemes

    The updated Z125 Pro launched in Japan is unlikely to find its way to India in the near future
    Japanese bike maker Kawasaki has introduced an updated version of Z125 Pro. The naked baby motorcycle gets a new set of colour schemes in its latest iteration. The updated paint schemes include options like Pearl Night Teal and Metallic Flat Spark Black.
    Design

    The changes are, however, restricted to the colour palette as there are no aesthetic or mechanical updates. The design and feature list are identical to the pre-updated model. The naked mini roadster gets the usual bold front fascia with a sporty headlamp, underbelly exhaust pipe, fuel tanks extensions and engine cowl.
    Mechanical Details
    It employs a small 125cc twin-valve single-cylinder engine which produces a healthy 9.25 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 9.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. It is coupled with a 4-speed gearbox. Needless to say, the Japanese brand promises not only stunning looks but also an excellent performance on the naked roadster.

    The Z125 Pro gets a 30mm telescopic fork at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at rear with 100mm and 104mm travel at both front and rear respectively. Anchoring duties are carried out by 200mm petal disc at front and 184mm petal disc at rear. It stands on 12-inch alloy wheels with 100/90 and 120/70 section profile tyres at front and rear. It is very nimble and tips the scale at a meagre 101kg.
    One of the highlighted features is the Smart Regulator which Kawasaki has developed for low-displacement motorcycles. This regulator is equipped with a built-in microprocessor which enables to control the charging function of the battery. The Smart Regulator enables charging even at idling speeds when the voltage generated is at its lowest. Price in Japan is 352,000 Yen or approx Rs 2.46 lakh.
    Recent India launches
    Kawasaki recently made a string of new launches in India. This included the likes of Z900, the Vulcan S and Versys 650. All three belong to different categories of motorcycles. While the Z900 is a naked streetfighter, the Vulcan S is a proper cruiser motorcycle. On the other hand, Versys 650 is a hardcore adventure tourer bike.
    The Vulcan S and Versys 650 are powered by the same BS6 compliant 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC engine. In the Versys 650, it generates 66 bhp of power whereas in the Vulcan S it produces 61 bhp. Torque figures, however, remain identical at 62 Nm. The Z900, on the other hand, draws its power from a 900cc BS6 updated engine which churns out 124 bhp and 99 Nm of peak torque. All three bikes are offered with a 6-speed transmission. More